The Nigeria Union of Journalists, (NUJ), Ebonyi State Correspondents’ Chapel, yesterday elected a new executive to pilot its affairs for the next three years.
Ebonyi State correspondent of the Sun Newspaper, Comrade Uchenna Inya was elected chairman of the chapel in a keenly contested election held at the chapel’s office in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital.
Comrade Inya polled a total of 27 votes to defeat his opponent, Moses Nwite of Voice Of Nigeria, who secured 5 votes.
Comrade Christian Ogbonna of the News Agency of Nigeria, (NAN), was also elected unopposed as secretary of the chapel.
Summitnews reports that 32 out of the 34 members of the chapel, took part in the election which was conducted by a 3-member credentials committee, headed by Comrade Amechi Odo of Radio Nigeria, Abakaliki and monitored by a delegation from the state council of NUJ.
Speaking after the election, Comrade Odo commended members of the chapel for their peaceful and orderly conduct during the election.
He applauded chapel members for their massive turn out during the election and called for continued unity in the chapel.
According to him, “I want to say that our members have impressed me.The turnout on this election is quite impressive, and our members were allowed to express their franchise by voting their choice candidates.”
The Chairman of the Ebonyi State Council of NUJ, Comrade Samson Nwafor, called on the newly elected officials to see their victory as a call to service.
He charged the new chairman, Comrade Inya to address the areas he failed to do well, when he was in acting capacity.
“I congratulate the new leadership of the correspondents’ Chapel, for their victory. I therefore charge the new executive, especially the chairman, Inya to continue to uphold the principles of equity and fairness in his administration, to move the chapel forward,” he stated.
Comrade Nwafor who was Chairman of the chapel, urged those who lost the election, to support the new leadership, pointing out that the election truly represents the wishes of members of the chapel.
In an acceptance speech, the newly elected chairman, Comrade Uchenna Inya thanked the members of the chapel for the confidence reposed in him as demonstrated through their votes.
He said, “I sincerely thank you for the love you have shown to me today. I didn’t know that you people still have regard for me, but you have clearly demonstrated it, through your overwhelming support for me in today’s election. I enjoin you to continue to give us your support as this is the only way we can succeed.”
Inya extolled the efforts of media stakeholders in the state including the Commissioner for Information and state Orientation, Engr. Jude Okpor, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Francis Nwifuru, Dr. Monday Uzor and the Director General of the Ebonyi State Broadcasting Corporation, (EBBC), Comrade Tony Nwizi for paving the way for internal democracy in the election.
